Scientific facts about our brain - part 5

The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 as a model of intelligence that differentiates intelligence into various specific (primarily sensory) modalities, rather than seeing it as dominated by a single general ability.

Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities, and that there are only very weak correlations among them. For example, the theory predicts that a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily generally more intelligent than a child who has more difficulty on this task. The child who takes more time to master simple multiplication 1) may best learn to multiply through a different approach, 2) may excel in a field outside of mathematics, or 3) may even be looking at and understanding the multiplication process at a fundamentally deeper level, or perhaps as an entirely different process. Such a fundamental understanding can result in what looks like slowness and can hide a mathematical intelligence potentially higher than that of a child who quickly memorizes the multiplication table despite possessing a less detailed understanding of the process of multiplication.

Within us Intelligence can be divided into several sub-components which are distinct from one another.

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Therefore, strengths in some areas of intelligence are not necessarily indicative of strength in other mental areas. So analyze yourself, everyone is unique. No two minds are same. If everyone's thinking is alike then we can remove the word 'think' from the dictionary.

Below you will find a brief breakdown of the different types of intelligence:

There are 10 types of intelligence that are useful to be aware of. In the list below, you should look to see where your strengths and weaknesses are. Realise also that if you have a weakness in some mental area, it can easily be worked on. Weaknesses in some areas are not, on their own, bad either, and will depend on what your goals are. For example, if your goal is to be a gifted mathematician, it is no hindrance if your musical skills are weak.

1. Logic-Mathematical

This relates to all logical operations, such as comprehending and debating arguments, following clear logic, identifying assumptions or premises, numeracy and math. The more you develop this area, the better your argumentative ability will be. This area of intelligence is good for all mathematical based subjects such as economics, physics etc.

2. Grammatical

This is all about your ability to express language and understand it. Being good at this means you are able to express your ideas smoothly, coherently and with flair. You are also able to understand things more easily, will have a varied vocabularly and enjoy poetry, novels and other prose.

3. Spatial-Abstract

If you have good spatial ability, you will find it easier to be highly artistic, or perform mechanical operations, such as would an engineer. High spatial ability is also useful for visualising, modelling and conceptualising concepts.

4. Musical-Sound

A good ability here means you will have a knack for understanding the rhythm, pitch, harmony and flow of sound, and be able to manipulate it well. You will have a tendency to be creative with music and be able to merge sound and music together. You will be good with listening and learn easily this way.

5. Kinaesthetic

This involves everything to do with hand to eye co-ordination and body movements. Those with high kinaesthetic abilities are generally good at sports or enjoy learning by doing practical things.

6. Social

High social intelligence means the ability to understand other people, including the ability to respect other's values, communicate effectively, take the lead or become a follower. There is also group social dynamics to consider here, which involves your communication skills with different types of people.

7. Emotional

This is linked to social intelligence, but specifically relates to your emotions. When this is developed, you will find it easier to control your emotions, and also understand the emotional outlook of other people. Strong control here also helps to raise your confidence, remain calm and heighten passion or enthusiasm for your goals.

8. Intuitional

Intuition is the ability relating to "gut instinct". When you have have good intuition, you can determine the truth of a matter without needing to consider all the logical possibilities. You are able to listen effectively to the signals you get "from within". Strong intuition abilities also relates to an ability to learn from experiences and use them to make better decisions in life.

9. Perspectival

A strong ability here means you can take on another person's perspective on things. When this is done, you can gain a unique insight into a different way of viewing things. This also relates to your ability to detach from your current perspective and take on another one.

10. Stationary

Strong stationary ability means being able to understand or comprehend something outside a position of bias. Bias can normally come in the form of empirical, emotional, cultural, social or belief bias. By removing all the underlying assumptions, you can get to the truth of the matter and really understand things without any bias or erroneous thinking whatsoever. By developing this, you can detach from social norms or bad beliefs and instead, put good beliefs and practises firmly into place.

What To Expect

There is no need to be strong in all types of intellect, since you only need to be strong for the areas you want to become the best in. By looking at the above, identify what it is you wish to get better at, and stick with those.